3 adapted varieties
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1576 growing degree days, loam soil at pH 6.3, 307 frost-free days) allow castor bean cultivation.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Recommended varieties: LS Peter, LS Harold, LS Suzi
Limited growing degree days (1576 GDD). Choose the earliest maturing varieties.
Balanced summer water budget — no significant water stress.
Long frost-free season (307 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Neutral pH (6.3), suitable for most crops.
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
Castor bean remains an emerging crop in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, but conditions are promising: 1,576 GDD comfortably cover the long castor cycle (130–170 days), the long frost-free period (307 days) secures maturation, and the varied soils (boulbenes, terreforts, Landes sands) offer flexibility. LS Suzi, LS Marilou and LS Peter — dwarf and giant hybrid castors — can valorise difficult lands or diversify farms on hot spring-summer cycles.
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
The favorable sowing window is typically from April to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Nouvelle-Aquitaine conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.
